If you don't even have a page design yet, then discussing things in terms of implementation is decidedly premature.
I'd recommend first that you wireframe your design. Balsamiq is a good option for that, with a 30 day free trial and a reasonable cost (~$80).
Traditionally, that wireframe goes to the designer, who lays things out in photoshop then turns it into HTML/CSS (some skip photoshop). Once it's in HTML/CSS, you have your backend guy go to work, and your frontend guy (who will do the jquery stuff) go to work.
So I guess I'd suggest you get a non-functional design (wireframe or photoshop) pretty well fleshed out before you worry about javascript.
+1 to david thomas too for recommending that you focus on graceful degradation, which would suggest that you should bring in your jquery guy towards the end to add the polish that enhances (but isn't a requirement for functionality).